Personal flotation device

ABSTRACT

A personal flotation device in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The personal flotation device is affixed to person&#39;s body using straps, and allows the person to “sit” in the water while swimming. The personal flotation device covers the person&#39;s lower torso providing leg and waist openings while allowing the upper torso&#39;s arm and neck regions to be exposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/899,065, filed on Nov. 1, 2013, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention in general relates to flotation devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a flotation device worn about the waist and groin area which is reusable and may be formed from a variety of materials and shapes.

BACKGROUND ART

Very few leisure time activities rival that of spending a warm summer day in the water. Whether the water is at the beach, in a lake, on a boat, or even in a backyard pool, safety should be one of the prime considerations for all involved. Perhaps the most important piece of water safety gear is the flotation vest. While the typical life vest will allow any non-swimmer to safely enter a body of water, it is not very practical when it comes to providing upper body access. It tends to keep the user low in the water making playing games such as water polo or water volleyball impractical.

Those who can swim can of course tread water, but such action quickly becomes tiring, even after just a short time. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the floatation properties of a life vest may be provided in a low-profile package that allows for increased water sport enjoyment and relaxation. The development of the personal flotation device fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A personal flotation device in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The personal flotation device is affixed to person's body using straps, and allows the person to “sit” in the water while swimming. The personal flotation device covers the person's lower torso providing leg and waist openings while allowing the upper torso's arm and neck regions to be exposed.

In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal flotation device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an opposite side view of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a back view of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the personal flotation device being worn by a user in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the personal flotation device is a vest having an outer layer 12 and inner layer or buoyancy layer 14 affixed to a person's body using zippers 18 and straps 16, and allows the user to “sit” in the water while swimming. Upon initial observation of the invention, it appears as a conventional life vest commonly worn while boating, or performing other activities around water. However, after closer inspection, it can be seen that in lieu of arm holes and neck openings, the present invention is provided with a waist 24 opening and a pair of leg-hole openings 26, respectively as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, this configuration allows the adult user to apply the invention to their waist and groin area. It is held in place with a side zipper 18 and a hole and strap 16 as used in corsets. By way of example but not of limitation the outer layer 12 may be fabricated using a neoprene material. The inner layer is made from a flotation or buoyancy material such as hydrodynamic foam which may be selected from the group: polyurethane, polypropylene, arcel, or other polymers.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and back views of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 a strap 22 and buckle 20 assembly are used to tighten the vest around the waist of the personal after the side zipper and strap have been secured and tighten. In use, when in the water, the invention becomes completely submerged, and allows the user to stand or sit in the water, without treading water to stay afloat. Such features increase fun and safety of various water sports, and results in a more relaxing aquatic experience. The use of the Personal Flotation Device allows users to float easily in a sitting or standing position, without the bulkiness or hindrances of a conventional flotation vest.

As designed, the personal flotation device in accordance with the present invention has many features that make it beneficial to both consumers and potential manufacturers. The features and benefits the invention provides are highlighted as follows:

-   -   flotation device is worn about the waist and groin area used by         adults;     -   allows wearers to sit or stand in water without treading water;     -   increases safety;     -   low-profile design;     -   made in multiple sizes for children and adults;     -   not as cumbersome as conventional life vests allows for greater         ease of use;     -   makes user more likely to wear;     -   allows user to tan without tan lines caused by conventional life         vest;     -   easily adjusts for all sizes of users by use of nylon straps and         quick release buckles;     -   filled with solid flotation medium as opposed to air and         therefore will not develop leaks;     -   ideal for use in pools and lakes;     -   great for use with various water sports such as water polo and         aquatic volleyball perfect for those who cannot swim;     -   increases relaxation;     -   material construction readily available;     -   materials strong and durable;     -   easy to manufacture using known technology; and     -   cost-effective design.

As stated above, the materials required to produce the personal flotation device are all readily available, and well known to manufacturers of goods of this type. The main shell of the invention would be made of plastic and/or nylon. Such materials would be cut in a large scale die cutting process, and sewn together along with attachment straps using heavy-duty industrial sewing machines. It would be filled with a solid type floatation media similar to that found in conventional life jackets. The raw materials as used in the present invention would best be obtained from wholesalers and manufacturers that deal in goods of that nature, and assembled at a final location. The relatively simple design of the invention and the material of construction, make the personal flotation device a cost-effective design due to the relatively low material, and labor costs involved. Final production of the personal flotation device will be performed by manufacturing workers of average skill. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal flotation device to be worn by a person, comprising: a vest having an inner layer and outer layer of material wherein said inner and outer layers are attached to each other thereby defining a cavity that fits the torso of a person; said vest defining waist and leg hole openings; said inner and outer layer combination defining a first fastening means located on a side of said vest wherein said first fastening means is used to secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the torso of the person; said inner and outer layer combination defining a second fastening means located on an opposite side of said vest wherein said second fastening means is used to secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the torso of the person; wherein said inner and outer layer combination defines a third fastening means located around the waist of the person wherein said third fastening means is used to both further tighten and secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the torso of the person.
 2. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said outer layer is neoprene.
 3. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said inner layer is a buoyancy material.
 4. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said leg holes are sized to allow the legs of the person to move freely when said inner and outer layers are securely tightened together around the torso of the person.
 5. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said first fastening means located on a side of said vest is a zipper.
 6. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening means located on said opposite side of said vest is a hole and strap fastener.
 7. The personal flotation device according to claim 6, wherein said third fastening means located around the waist of the person is a strap and buckle assembly.
 8. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said inner layer is a flotation material of hydrodynamic foam.
 9. The personal flotation device according to claim 1, wherein said inner layer is a flotation material, said material selected from the group: polyurethane, polypropylene, arcel, or other polymers.
 10. A personal flotation device to be worn by a person, comprising: a vest having an inner buoyancy layer and an outer layer of neoprene wherein said inner and outer layers are attached to each other thereby defining a cavity that fits the upper torso of a person; said upper torso of said vest defining waist and leg hole openings and covers the lower torso of the person; said inner and outer layer combination defining a first fastening means located on a side of said vest wherein said first fastening means is used to secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the upper torso of the person; said inner and outer layer combination defining a second fastening means located on an opposite side of said first fastening means of said vest wherein said second fastening means is used to secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the upper torso of the person; wherein said inner and outer layer combination defines a third fastening means located around the waist of the person wherein said third fastening means is used to both further tighten and secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the upper torso of the person and both first and second fastening means have secured and tightened said vest to the person.
 11. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said leg holes are sized to allow the head, arms and legs of the person to move freely when said inner and outer layers are securely tightened together around the torso of the person.
 12. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said first fastening means located on a side of said vest is a zipper.
 13. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said second fastening means located on said opposite side of said vest is a hole and strap fastener.
 14. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said third fastening means located around the waist of the person is a strap and buckle assembly.
 15. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said inner layer is a flotation material of hydrodynamic foam.
 16. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said inner layer is a flotation material, said material selected from the group: polyurethane, polypropylene, arcel, or other polymers.
 17. A personal flotation device to be worn by a person, comprising: a vest having an inner layer of hydrodynamic foam and an outer layer of neoprene wherein said inner and outer layers are attached to each other thereby defining a cavity that fits the torso of a person; said vest defining waist and leg hole openings and covers the lower torso of the person; said inner and outer layer combination defining a zipper located on a side of said vest wherein said zipper is used to secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the upper torso of the person; said inner and outer layer combination defining a hole and strap fastener located on an opposite side of said zipper of said vest wherein said a hole and strap fastener is used to secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the upper torso of the person; wherein said inner and outer layer combination defines a strap and buckle assembly located around the waist of the person wherein said strap and buckle assembly is used to both further tighten and secure said inner and outer layers to the person when said vest encircles the upper torso of the person and said zipper and hole and strap fastener have already been used to secure and tighten said vest to the person.
 18. The personal flotation device according to claim 10, wherein said hydrodynamic foam is selected from the group: polyurethane, polypropylene, arcel, or other polymers. 